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Ferry evacuated after smoke development
On Oct 23, 2025, the 18 passengers and the crew of the 'Te Waiora' have been safely evacuated from the ferry after a suspected fire on board. It has since been determined there was only smoke, whioch spread throughout the vessel, but no fire from one of the vessel's engines, which had an exhaust issue. The Coastguard's MRCC was alerted via VHF radio at 3.40 p.m. of the incident, when the vessel, was off the island in Auckland's Hauraki Gulf. Three vessels coordinated the evacuation. A Fullers Ferry also turned back to help, but the height difference between the two vessels and the choppy sea conditions meant that passengers could not be safely transferred. The Coastguard Howick and the police maritime unit transported Fire and Emergency NZ personnel to the ferry. Thr operator Island Direct worked quickly and closely with the Coastguard and Maritime Police to safely return the passengers and crew to Auckland. A Coastguard vessel towed the disabled ship back to shore. Three Island Direct ferry sailings were cancelled. Affected were the 5.30 p.m. and 7.30 p.m. Matiatia to Downtown services and the 6.30 p.m. Downtown to Matiatia sailing. The 'Te Waiora' was the upstart's second vessel and which made its maiden sailing only on Oct 22. Island Direct assured that it still had vessels operating, though the sailings between Auckland and Waiheke for the rest of the day have been cancelled. The affected passengers have been notified by email and refunded or moved to another ferry. Reports with photos: https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/10/23/fire-onboard-waiheke-island-ferry-passengers-forced-to-evacuate/ https://waihekegulfnews.co.nz/passengers-evacuated-as-fire-breaks-out-on-island-direct-ferry/ https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/576756/waiheke-island-ferry-catches-fire
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